The Nation Newspaper

Tag: tourists

  • The Gambia woos Nigerian tourists

    The Gambia, dubbed the Smiling Coast, is wooing Nigerian tourists to visit the country. In a release by the country’s tourism bureau, The Gambia said it is providing a variety of quality resorts and an eclectic mix of sophisticated facilities catering to the needs of all categories of visitors, including the newlyweds. The Gambia truly deserves its reputation as the honeymooners’ paradise.

    The country is offering Nigerian tourists excitement and also a perfect ambience for romantic escape.

    Within the Tourism Development Area, there are nine main resort getaways within the palm fringed Atlantic coast. These resorts run along the entire length of the majestic River Gambia.  The resorts are ideal for honeymooners who wish to stay off the beaten track. Each resort offers a unique ecological setting from which couples can choose. Bird Safari Camp, Brefet Cultural Camp, Njawara Cultural Camp, Sindola Safari Camp, Sittanunku Lodge, Tendaba Camp, TumaniTenda with Makasutu Culture Forest and Sandele Eco Retreat are the notable getaways for honeymooners.

    Situated in Brikama is Makasutu Culture Forest which was voted the best eco lodge by The Sunday Times, London. Set in a 1,000 acre reserve and encompassing different eco-systems, Makasutu offers an up-market experience which includes 5-star luxury lodge within the meandering and lush green River Gambia “wilderness”. Weddings and wedding receptions are held in the purpose built facilities which offer breathtaking views from all corners of the resort. Guests can enjoy traditional drumming, tribal dancing and singing, guided canoe rides. Visit the “resident holy man” or spend time on short lessons in pottery, cooking, furniture making or wood carving at the resort craft shop.

    Sandele Eco Retreat has won a number of awards, including The Guardian’s “Ethical Travel Award” and Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence. Located in Kartong, Sandele Eco Retreat is set in the forest at the end of miles of beach, with high quality accommodation located in vast, unspoiled surroundings, from where it offers a wide range of activities exclusively for guests.

    Most 5-star hotels in The Gambia serve as one-stop venues for weddings, wedding receptions and exquisite lodges for honeymooners. They are not only kitted to host wedding ceremonies in their banquet halls and ball rooms but also host wedding receptions in surrounding beautiful gardens, or on the expansive decks of their swimming pools.  The Coco Ocean is a case in point.

  • ‘Delta is safe for foreign investment, tourists’

    ‘Delta is safe for foreign investment, tourists’

    A former Delta State Commissioner for Information and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on Foreign Affairs, Mr Oma Djebah, has said the state is safe for diplomats and foreign investors.

    Djebah spoke when the Political Secretary and Senior Political Adviser at the British High Commission, Abuja, Edward Dunn and Osaro Odemwingie visited the state at the weekend.

    He said: “Look at Seplat Nigeria that is in Sapele, people are talking about the security situation in Warri and its environs but Seplat is operating here and they have upgraded in their production capacity. Today, they are producing up to 62,000 barrels of oil per day, which is a huge success.

    “Look at the teaching hospital in Oghara, it is a huge success too because it is building the human capital development of the people. Look at what we are doing in the health sector. And all these have effect in crime and criminality. If you are healthy and strong, you will not have time for crime. If you are engaged you will not want to go and do crime.”

    Djebah noted that the state was not different from the situation in the United Kingdom during the Irish Resistance Army (IRA) era, adding that that the violence did not stop  foreign investors from setting up businesses in the UK.

    He urged the international community to be considerate when issuing travel warning and advice to visitors to the state and the Niger Delta.

    The team visited the Sapele office of indigenous oil firm, Seplat Nigeria Limited, where the management told them it had quadrupled production from facilities it acquired from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) within four years.

    Seplat’s Head of Community Affairs, Mr Godwin Obiuwvbi, told the visitors that the company increased production from the 14,000bpd it inherited in 2010 to 62,000bpd from OMLs 4, 38 and 41, adding that it is already targeting 100,000bpd before 2017.

    He said: “From four producing communities in 2010, we have increased to 10 and by 2017, we hope to reach 100,000pbd. This year we should get to 72,000 from there we will take it to 85,000 and in the next two, three years we will get 100,000bpd.”

    Obiuwevbi added that the three OMLs hold up to 500 million barrels, adding that the company, which recently listed on the London Stock Exchange, planned on acquiring additional oil wells and also revealed that Seplat is planning a massive investment in gas at the company Oben field in Edo state and LTF and green field development programmes in Amukpe, Sapele.

    Obiuwevbi, who was accompanied by the company’s Security Manager, Mr William Akolo, a former employee of SPDC, Tony Owumi and other top staff of the firm, said the company was bullish because since it commenced operation in 2010, it had experience “no significant disruption in operation”, adding that crude oil theft had also been drastically reduced.

    He said the robust Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) with host communities has complimented their internal security and build confidence across board, adding, “There were four MoU and a trust fund of N250 million down payments gave communities a stake and helped build confidence and trust.”

    The Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Mr Mofe Pirah, debunked the reasons given by SPDC for divesting from the facilities: “They said Delta State was not secured, you cannot do business in Delta State.”

    Pirah said the team was interested in knowing how Seplat managed to achieve so much and better SPDC in spite of the allegation of insecurity in the region, adding that it showed that there is something the local firm was doing that Shell did not do.

    Speaking with reporters after the two-day visit at Osubi Airport on his way to Abuja, Dunn expressed satisfaction with Uduaghan’s development drive, particularly in the education and health sector, where the governor had investment hugely in the past years.

    Odemwingie noted that the projects were first class and urged Deltans to support the government’s efforts by maintaining them.

    Djebah described  Uduaghan’s vision of Delta Beyond Oil as rightwards to keeping a lasting legacy for posterity in the state, stressing that the citizenries’ support is important to achieving the dream.

  • Residents turn blast scenes to tourists sites

    Residents turn blast scenes to tourists sites

    •As norlmacy returns to Kaduna

    •Checkpoints spring up 

    As normalcy returns to Kaduna after Wednesday twin bomb blasts that rocked the metropolis, residents have turned scenes of the explosion to tourists sites.

    Meanwhile, normal business activities have since commenced at the densely populated Kawo Market where the second bomb exploded, killing scores and leaving almost 50 people injured.

    The Nation recalled that explosions generated tension in Kaduna city before Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero quickly declared a 24-hour curfew to calm the nerves of angry youths who were threatening protest.

    It was believed that the first explosion was targeted at the revered Sheik Dahiru Bauchi, as the suicide bomber tried to penetrate his convoy before the bomb went off, killing the bomber and 24 others.

    Similarly, Former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari confirmed that the car bomber who detonated the second bomb that killed scores targeted his life.

    The Nation, however gathered that the 24-hour curfew, which lasted for only about 20 hours before it was lifted, was initially imposed to prevent a degeneration into crisis, following the anger expressed by supporters of the personalities targeted by the explosions.

    Meanwhile, when our correspondent visited the scene of the blast at Kawo yesterday, residents were seen trooping to the scene to catch glimpse of the damages done by the explosion.

    When our correspondent visited the scene, a resident said: “My brother, nowhere is safe any longer. If you say because they bombed here,  so you will not pass here again, you are just deceiving yourself.

    “Let me tell you, whether we like it or not, we are living in an atmosphere of fear and tension. We can be bombed anywhere and at anytime. We should only pray that God brings these killings to an end.”

    In the same vein, the Kawo Market was full to its usual capacity, as the people went about their usual businesses.

    However, security check has been intensified at Kawo motor park, while a new military checkpoint has been introduced between the park’s exit gate and the headquarters of 1 Division Nigerian Army.

  • ‘Wikki Tourists down, but not out’

    ‘Wikki Tourists down, but not out’

    Wikki Tourists’ head coach, Tunde Abdulrahman has assured the club’s Bauchi fans that their 3-0 defeat against Supreme Court was a mere setback that would not derail their Premier League return ambition.

    The Bauchi side fell to the lower league at the end of last season but are desirous of an early return to the elite division.

    Speaking with SportingLife on telephone, Abdulrahman said the loss at Supreme Court FC was ‘one of those things’ and that the scoreline did not reflect the effort his boys put into the game despite losing by such wide margin.

    He vowed that the club would fight back in their next game in the league.

    “We were all sad about the defeat to Supreme Court FC. My players tried all tricks within their reach but it was not to be their day. What we need to do is to go back to the drawing board to correct our lapses.

    “We won’t be distracted by this loss. We are firm in our resolve to seek a return to the Premier League next season,” Abdulrahman told SportingLife.

  • Ilorin National Museum is toast of tourists

    Ilorin National Museum is toast of tourists

    t is the policy of the Federal Government to establish in each of the state capital a museum station. The museum is a visible symbol of our common cultural heritage. The laudable policy, which was initiated by the Nigerian Antiquities Commission has not yet been fully realised due to financial constraint. However, temporary arrangements have been made to bring museum facilities to many parts of the country.

    The National Museum, Ilorin, located at No. 14 Abdulkadir Road, GRA Ilorin. is one of the museums created by the former Director-General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments, the late Prof Ade Obayemi in 1988 and till today it is still waxing stronger and has indeed been a centre for education, entertainment, relaxation and enjoyment.

    It has on display archaeological, ethnographic and craft shop units. Other features include the hair-do centre, barbing salon centre and relaxation centre (museum kitchen). All these attract lot of visitors and tourists to the museum.

    A new exhibition titled: Nigerian Governments, classical Artwork and Pottery” is ongoing at the museum. Its gallery 1 exhibits Nigerian classical art pieces that include Calabar culture, Igbo-Ukwu, Owo, Ife, lower Niger Bronze (Tsoede) Esie Soap stones and Benin culture. Gallery 2 is housing a collection of a pictorial of the Nigerian government’s leaders from the pre-colonial period till the present time. Gallery 3 showcases Nigerian pottery as an ancient form of art and their uses which include domestic, ceremonial, decorative and ritual purposes. The exhibition is aimed at celebrating Nigerian cultural heritage for the promotion of peace and unity for National development.

    At the Hair-do Centre, different traditional hair styles are made for customers based on their request, these styles ranges from Suku, Suku Ologede, Ipako-elede, Koroba, Koju-soko, Konkoso, Ojo-n-peti etc with token amount charged.

    The Barbing Centre is for outsiders and as well the staff who wishes to cut their hair. Moderate amount of money is charged. The barbing shop was reconstructed with thatched roof to reflect the Hausa traditional architectural design. But the floor is well tiled.

    In the craft shop, there are various from of artworks for sale ranging from beads, candle stand, frames in different shapes, aso-oke etc all these are available at affordable prices.

    The Museum kitchen is where traditional food of different tribes is been prepared and sold  at very reasonable amount.  also drinks are available including palm wine. The kitchen has been attracting customers from all works of life.

    There is adequate parking space for visitors to park vehicles and maximum security guaranteed as here are guards that patrol from time to time. In addition, the services rendered by the National Museum Professional include, Educational, Ethnographic, Curatorial, Heritage, Archaeological and Library. Each potential professional carries out a research for publication and public consumption. Assistance is rendered to researchers such as undergraduates, tourists and other visitors from outside whenever the need arises.

    An Art club is organised by education department for children of primary and secondary schools age who are taught various form of art works to improve their creative abilities.

    Another facility rendered by Ilorin museum is the issuance of Export Permit to travellers who intend to travel out with contemporary art works from Nigeria. Ten percent of the amount is charged for rendering such service under the law of the land.

    The landscape within the premises is good and well beautified with flowers and carpet grasses. There is a roundabout that houses a town crier; decorated with horses head to show the strength of the museum.

    All these and lots more provide the visitors a pleasurable visit. In fact a visit to the National Museum Ilorin is not a visit and time wasted.

     

    •Daniel is of National Museum, Ilorin.

  • CROWD VIOLENCE LMC sanctions Wikki Tourists

    • Fines Bauchi side N2m; to play behind closed doors
    • El Kanemi gets three points, three goals

    The hammer of League Management Company (LMC) has fallen on Wikki Tourists of Bauchi after they were found culpable for the crowd violence that occured during their Week 22 match against El Kanemi Warriors.

    In a statement through its acting head of media, Kasali Obanoyen, the LMC declared a wide range of sanctions on Wikki including awarding their opponents, El-Kanemi, three goals and full points.

    It also directed Wikki to pay a fine of two million naira as well as to settle the medical expenses of the officials who were assaulted during the match.

    The Bauchi side were then ordered to play the remainder of their home league matches at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi, under closed doors.

    The statement made available to SportingLife reads: “In consideration of the reports regarding match No 220 – Wikki Tourists vs El-Kanemi Warriors week 22 and in line with article 5.6 (1) of the Regulations guiding the Competition, the LMC hereby takes the following Preliminary Decisions.

    1. The match is awarded to El-Kanemi Warriors, 3 points 3 goals; per article 4.3(1)

    2. Wikki Tourists are fined the sum of Two Million Naira only (N2,000,000); per article 4.3(2)

    3. Wikki Tourists to pay for all the medical expenses of the Referees; per article 5.8(1)

    4. Wikki Tourists to play their remaining home matches of the season in Bauchi under closed doors.

    SportingLife recalls that the league encounter between Wikki and El Kanemi was in its 85th minute when fans of the home team ran into the pitch as soon as Chadian international, Hassan Hussein, scored a goal for the away team.

    The fans assaulted the match officials and some players of El Kanemi who were later assisted to safety by the police.

  • Mambilla Plateau: Nature in its pre-eminence

    Mambilla Plateau: Nature in its pre-eminence

     The Mambilla  Plateau is one attraction in Nigeria that the magnificence  leaves one in search adequate words to capture. Having experience the beauty of the place, there is always the desire for a second visit. Where does one start in capturing the place? Is it the sheer immensity of the rock formation or the twists and turns as one drives to the top  the plateau.
    Climbing the hill is not for the faint-hearted because of the twist and turns as the road meandered upward.  But a trip to Mambilla without these  experience would not be complete. It is just like being suspended on the sky, held only by a tread tied to one’s ankle, looking down on valley, one could just come crashing down on deep, sharp valley.
    The first point of call is Hawa Biu Da Sisi, meaning two and half shilling hill, the tour guides explained that in the olden days before the road was carved out of the rock, there were load carrier who normally carry loads from the bottom of the plateau to the top. A trip normally takes two weeks from the foot to the top of the hill. The cost par trip is initially two shilling, but having negotiated that amount, on getting to the steep sharp corner, the load carriers would demand for an extra half a shilling, hence the name.
    The first corner is Kwanan Gomna, said to the point the point where the former Governor of Northern Nigeria, Sir Kassim Ibrahim reach before deciding to go back.
    Other key poins are Tungar Gorah, Kwanan Drum, Tungar Ahmedu.  Tungar Ahmadu is close to the top of the hill. This point was said to be the point where the former premier of the North, Sir Ahmadu Bello decided to reach before deciding to go back. According to the indigenes of Gembu, it was in recognition of the effort of Sir Ahmadu Bello that the whole of the local government area was named Sardauna council area, in honour of the former premier who was also the Sardauna of Sokoto.
    One of the signs that one was getting to the top of the mountain range is the cooler nature of the weather and then the presence of well fed cattle who lazily shamble along the treacherous road unmindful of coming vehicles.  A vehicle had to horn repeatedly before the cattle will leave the road. Here in Mambilla, the cattle have right way. Gradually the climbing ended and what one could see was a stretch of prowling ranches that on undulating ranges of hills. However, before entering the town proper one stopped at a spring stream that a pip has been places at the mouth to channel the water out. The tour guides explained that every visitor coming to the town is expected to drink form the water before proceeding. The water was cold and refreshing, just what is expected of a spring water.
    The tragedy of Mambilla  Plateau is that successive government both in state and the federal level are yet to come up with idea of how this endowment for benefit of mankind.

  • Fed Govt, Lagos fight over hotel, tourists’ monies

    The stage is set for a legal battle between the Federal Government and Lagos State over who has the control of hotels, travel agencies, fast food outlets and other related hospitality businesses.

    The Federal Government has sued Lagos State for establishing Hotel Licensing Law Cap H6, 2003; Hotel Licensing (Amendment) Law No 23 Volume 43 of July 20, 2010 and Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law No 30 Volume 42 Lagos State of Nigeria official gazette of June 23, 2009.

    In a counter-suit, Lagos is claiming that operators of hotels, motels, fast food and other related tourist businesses are under its control and not that of the Federal Government.

    The seven-member panel of the Supreme Court chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mariam Aloma-Mukhtar, yesterday consolidated the two suits following an application moved by the Solicitor-General of Lagos State, Alhaji Lawal Pedro (SAN).

    Pedro said the claims in the two suits are centred on the interpretation of the 1999 Constitution on the constitutionality and validity of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation Act Cap 137 Laws of the Federation 2004 and other Hotel Licensing Laws enacted by the state.

    The apex court struck out the Attorney-Generals of the other 35 states from the suit after the claim against them was withdrawn by Lagos.

    The Federal Government in the suit filed pursuant to Order 2 Rule (2), 6(1)(2) and (3) of the Supreme Court as amended 2008, and Section 4(2)(3), item 60 (D) part 1 of the second schedule of the 1999 Constitution, is asking the court to restrain the state from exercising control over tourist and hospitality centres.

    The Federal Government also wants the court to restrain the state from “promulgating, passing into law, enacting or legislating upon issues or any matters relating to the regulation, classification and grading of hotels, motels, guest inn, travel agencies, tour operating outfits, resort, cafeterias, restaurants, fast food outlets and other related tourist establishments and from enforcing in any manner or way through itself or any of it’s agencies…”

    But Lagos in its own counter-suits is claiming that operators of hotels, motels, fast food and other related tourist businesses are under its control and not Federal Government.

    In the originating summons filed pursuant to Section 4(2), (3), (4), (6) and 7 of the 1999 Constitution, and order 3 Rule (2), Rule 6(1) and (3) of the Supreme Court Rules, the state wants the court to determine

    *Whether the legislative competence of the National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly is not as set out in Section 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999

    *Having regards to the provisions of Section 4(1)-(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and the contents of Parts 1 and II of the Second Schedule to the Constitution, whether the legislative competence of the National Assembly is not limited to matters contained in the Exclusive and Concurrent Legislative list

    *Whether (if question 2 above is answered in the affirmative), the National Assembly lacks the power to make a law for the regulation of hotels, tourist establishments and hospitality business in any state in Nigeria.

    *Whether the provisions of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation Act Cap N137 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 to wit: Section 4(2) (c) (d) and the Regulations made there under and Section 7 of the Act purporting to regulate hotels, tourist establishments and hospitality business is unconstitutional and therefore null and void.

    *A declaration that the House of Assembly of Lagos State is the body entitled to the exclusion of any other legislative body, to enact laws with regard to rendering technical advice to the Lagos State and local governments in the state in the field of tourism and with respect to registration, classification and grading of all hospitality and tourism enterprises in Lagos.

    *A declaration that the provisions of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation Act Cap N137 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 to wit:Section 4(2) (c), (d) and the Regulations made there under and Section 7 of the Act is ultra vires the legislative competence of the National Assembly and therefore unconstitutional, null and void.